How do you care for these places that dry out as you age?

As we age, our skin becomes drier and itchier. The areas that dry out with aging aren't limited to the skin. According to WebMD, a U.S. health and medical media outlet, seven areas of the body can become particularly dry as we age: the skin, scalp, hair, eyes, lips, mouth, nails, and vagina. Conditions that can cause dryness include diabetes, kidney disease, anemia (iron deficiency), hypothyroidism (thyroid hormone deficiency), and rheumatoid arthritis.

Older women are particularly prone to dry skin. Dry, itchy skin is typically most severe in the winter. This is due to overheated indoor air and the decreased activity of sebaceous and sweat glands with age. Both factors make it difficult for skin to remain hydrated. One simple solution is to drink plenty of water, which helps skin recover more quickly. One in four women also experience dry, brittle nails.

 

As we age, fingernails become much thinner than toenails, splitting vertically and peeling more easily. Obsessive hygiene, such as frequent hand washing and drying, can also have negative effects on nails. High heat and low humidity are similar factors. If you have nail problems, applying a moisturizer like Vaseline at bedtime and wearing thin gloves can help protect your nails.

It causes various dry conditions including diabetes, kidney disease, anemia, hypothyroidism, rheumatoid arthritis, and aging.

 

 

As we age, our tear glands may not function as well. This can lead to dry eye, which can cause itching and discomfort, like having sand in your eyes. Dry eye should be considered a normal part of aging. An ophthalmologist can help with eye drops, humidifiers, air purifiers, and special ointments to keep your eyes moist. Dry mouth also tends to develop with age. Sjogren's syndrome, a chronic autoimmune disease, can also cause this symptom. Dry mouth occurs when the salivary glands don't produce enough saliva to moisturize the mouth. This can lead to problems like ulcers and cavities. Depending on the diagnosis, medications, eye drops, and special rinses may be prescribed. Dry and rough lips can also be caused by cold weather, dehydration, cosmetics, and medications. Breathing through your nose instead of your mouth, avoiding lip licking, drinking plenty of water, using a humidifier, and covering your mouth with a scarf in cold weather can help keep your lips soft and supple. Applying lip balm or cream along with sunscreen can also help.

 

About 50% of women experience vaginal dryness after menstruation stops. This is caused by a rapid decline in estrogen. Vaginal dryness tends to persist, as the tissues in the affected area become thinner and less flexible. Regular intercourse and stimulation can help maintain vaginal lubrication. Using a vaginal moisturizer is also recommended.

Hormonal signs of aging are readily apparent on the scalp (hair and scalp). Gray hair may appear and hair may thin. Over the years, decreased sebaceous gland activity can lead to dryness. This can also occur if you have long or curly hair, or if you dye, straighten, or chemically treat your hair. Dry hair usually requires less frequent washing, but those with dandruff and those requiring special shampoos should be more mindful of their hair.

Water, milk, melon, watermelon, celery, and lettuce are beneficial for dry skin, while coffee, alcohol, and caffeinated beverages are harmful.

 

To protect dry, itchy skin, avoiding the sun is the best option. Staying in the shade allows your skin to heal itself. It's not just the blazing sun that's harmful to your skin. Even if the sky is overcast, harmful UV rays can still penetrate through clouds. They also penetrate underwater. You should also be mindful of factors that strip your skin of moisture, such as smoking, stress, and taking antihistamines or anticancer medications. Otherwise, you're more likely to experience dryness and itchiness in thin-skinned areas like your elbows, shins, and forearms.

Water, milk, melon, watermelon, celery, and lettuce help keep you hydrated.

 

However, you should limit coffee, alcohol, and caffeinated beverages as much as possible. Caffeine is a diuretic, causing dehydration. Fruit juices, while tasty, are high in sugar. There are also some helpful moisturizing tips. Bathing and showering gently with warm water and a gentle cleanser, using a thicker cream or ointment instead of lotion, and applying products containing olive oil are all good ways to keep your skin hydrated. Avoid products that strip your skin of its natural oils, such as alcohol-based toners, retinoids, and alpha hydroxy acids (AHAs). Always wear gloves when your hands might get wet, such as when washing dishes or cleaning the bathroom.

 

 

Alleviating various types of dry skin may require home remedies and new habits. If symptoms persist, large areas of the body peel, scales develop, or the skin becomes red and itchy, it's best to seek medical attention immediately. Frequent scratching can lead to wounds and infections, so be careful.

 

 

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I agree

As I get older, the area becomes more and more itchy

I feel like I'm getting old

Why are my eyes so heavy and uncomfortable today?